Discover the Best Sunglasses for Your Face Shape

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Sunglasses are the ultimate accessory, adding a chic and functional touch that enhances any look. They’re a powerful statement piece, especially when you find the style and fit that aligns with your authentic self.

The right sunglasses for your face shape will balance your bone structure, accentuate your best features, and boost your confidence. 

In this guide, learn how to classify your face shape, and then browse our top recommendations for the perfect pair of shades.

How to identify your face shape: 6 types

Sunglasses that complement your face shape feel empowering and elevate your personal style—but before you find your perfect pair, we’ll need to take some measurements. Grab a soft tape measure, stand in front of a mirror, and follow these steps (noting down the measurements as you go):

• Cheekbones: Place the measuring tape on the top of one of your cheekbones, right beneath your eye. Stretch the tape to your other cheekbone to measure.
• Jawline: Find the end of your jawbone by feeling underneath your earlobes. Place the tape measurer here and stretch it underneath your chin to meet the other side.
• Forehead to chin: Start at the edge of your hairline, right in the middle. Bring the measuring tape down the center of your face to your chin.

Now, study your measurements and see how they fit within these six common face types to identify your shape.

1. Round

Rounded faces have even dimensions and similar measurements between cheekbones, jawline, and length. This shape is soft, with gentle curves and less-defined features.

2. Square

Square-shaped and round faces have similar measurements, as they both have symmetrical length and width dimensions. You’ll need to use your judgment to spot the differences between the two—a square face has sharper angles, a broader forehead, and a less-tapered jawline.

3. Diamond

Diamond faces have broad cheekbones and a narrow jawline and forehead. This shape also tends to have a hairline that pulls back and a pointed chin.

4. Heart-shaped face

Heart-shaped faces are very similar to diamonds—they have wide cheekbones and a narrow jawline. The key difference is a broader forehead and a lower hairline, which adds softer curves among the angles.

5. Oblong face

Oblong faces have similar measurements for jawline and cheekbones but are longer from hairline to chin. This type is long and narrow—much like a square or round shape with extra length.

6. Oval face

The oval face shape is the gentler, softer version of the oblong type. It’s long and has even measurements between cheekbones and jawline, but it has a smaller forehead and subtle bone structure.

The best sunglasses based on your face shape

You’ve determined your face shape, so the next question is, “What sunglasses fit my face?”

Review our recommendations, find your new favorite style, and then sell your old pairs to ThredUp to fund your shopping spree.

Best sunglasses for round faces

Round is one of the best face shapes for sunglasses with rectangular or square frames. The frames’ sharp angles look outstanding on round faces, contrasting beautifully with their soft curves. 

Mid to small-sized square sunglasses have a narrowing effect on rounder cheeks, and when the glasses sit high on the temples, they also elongate shorter faces.

Another great choice is a pair of browline sunglasses, also called club glasses. This type has harder edges along the top but more roundness along the bottom. The lines accentuate your curvy features while providing an angular touch.

Best sunglasses for square faces

Square face shapes benefit from round frames that soften sharp features. This gives you a wide variety of styles—aviator, cat-eye, and oval lenses all have rounded elements.

The cat-eye sunglasses shape smooths out square facial angles and add extra width to the cheekbones and temples, creating a diamond-like shape throughout the face. This is also why butterfly sunglasses are a great choice—the gentle curves of the butterfly shape add a round aesthetic, while the broad frames extend the middle of the face.

Aviator glasses are another top pick for square features. These sunnies provide soft curves that beautifully contrast angular, short faces but they have a sharp browline that complements a strong bone structure.

Best sunglasses for diamond faces

Flatter your gem-shaped face by complementing your narrow jawline and prominent temples. Cat-eye sunglasses mirror this shape perfectly, with the wide upper half following the lines of your cheekbones and the lower half tapering down along with your chin.

Rimless frames are also a great option because they remove bulk from the glasses, creating a delicate silhouette that subtly complements your natural features. Choose styles that aren’t longer than your cheekbones—these are the widest points of your face, and you’ll look amazing when you don’t draw attention away from them.

Small oval glasses also look stunning, adding softness to your diamond edges.

Best sunglasses for heart-shaped faces

Heart-shaped faces have both soft and hard edges, which gives you more freedom and versatility. But that doesn't mean we don't have expert recommendations for you. Round sunglasses flatter soft hairlines but provide an attractive contrast to long, pointed jaws. You gain the same benefits with a narrow pair of aviators or small oval glasses.

Cat-eye frames and butterfly glasses are excellent for heart-shapes for the same reason they’re perfect for diamonds: They mirror the shape of the face, aligning with wide, sharp cheekbones and tapering downward. 

Best sunglasses for oblong faces

If you have an oblong face, go ahead and rock the timeless festival look of oversized glasses. These shades add bulk to narrow faces, so opt for wide, rectangular lenses for contrast. Taller square lenses also work, as people with longer cheeks and taller foreheads can easily pull off bold styles that cover the cheekbones and eyebrows.

Wrap sunglasses are another good choice, creating a wider look around your cheekbones. This is why shield sunnies are also an excellent option, as their broad lenses create a striking contrast to your symmetrical features (and they usually come oversized, so they line up with our first suggestion).

Best sunglasses for oval faces

Oval faces are the most versatile shape. Nearly every type of sunglasses looks beautiful, but we recommend avoiding huge frames that cover your cheekbones. Oval faces tend to have delicate bone structures, and it’s best to accentuate them rather than hide them.

Our top pick for oval faces are angular glasses that add edges to a softer face. We love rectangular lenses—the width provides an excellent silhouette without going oversized.

Find the perfect sunglasses at ThredUp

The right sunglasses complete an outfit, and knowing your face shape lets you pick the pair that creates a stunning look every time.

ThredUp is the ideal platform to find sunglasses for all face shapes. Browse aviators, wraps, ovals, and cat-eye glasses in various brands and colors, zeroing in on the perfect pair with our advanced search features. Natural language search and our Style Chat make it easy to find something that suits your style—ask for a sporty look with aviator sunglasses, and we’ll bring up a selection of related items that match your prompt. 

Thrift a pair of sunglasses that accentuates your unique features, take care of them, and enjoy them for years to come.

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FAQs

How do you choose sunglasses?

Consider your face shape first, using our guide to determine if you have a round, square, diamond, oblong, heart, or oval face. Then, browse our top suggestions and take the recommendations to ThredUp, where you can look at hundreds of different styles and colors.

Should sunglasses cover your eyebrows?

It depends! Larger sunglasses like aviators and oversized looks cover the eyebrows. This style looks great on oblong and square faces. Smaller round and square frames won’t cover the eyebrows—this is a perfect match for round, heart-shaped, and oval faces.

What sunglasses make your face look thinner?

Cat-eye glasses are popular for creating a contrast, widening the top of your face and adding a tapered illusion down your cheeks and jawline, thinning the face. Square lenses also narrow out rounded faces, contouring softer cheeks with their sharp edges.

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